2026-07-22 ワシントン大学セントルイス校
＜関連情報＞
- https://source.washu.edu/2026/07/reducing-power-temporarily-improves-carbon-dioxide-conversion/
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41929-026-01574-z
銅触媒を用いた動的運転下での一酸化炭素電解 Copper-catalysed carbon monoxide electrolysis under dynamic operation
Wanyu Deng,Ahryeon Lee,Soonho Kwon,Zhaoxi Wang,Yifei Xu,Siyang Xing,Bingjun Xu,Ryan Rasmussen,William Andrew Goddard III & Feng Jiao
Nature Catalysis Published:08 July 2026
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41929-026-01574-z
Abstract
Electrochemical reduction of carbon monoxide (CO) into valuable multicarbon products offers a promising pathway for carbon utilization. However, most CO electrolysers are developed for steady-state operation, whereas integration with intermittent renewable electricity may pose technical challenges. Here we show that repeated cycling between power-on and power-off modes rapidly degrades copper(Cu)-based cathodes, either through carbonate accumulation under CO-rich conditions or oxidation to Cu2O under Ar environments. To circumvent these Cu degradation issues, we introduce a controlled power-down strategy where the Cu cathode is kept at a slightly more negative potential than open-circuit potential, effectively preventing carbonate formation and Cu oxidation. This strategy enables stable dynamic operation of a CO electrolyser for more than 750 h without any significant performance loss. Techno-economic analysis indicates that dynamic operation can lower the acetic acid production cost by up to 26%, leveraging periods of lower electricity prices and thus improving viability for integrating with intermittent renewable electricity.
